Taxis are an important component of transport systems the world over. In Europe, with relatively high levels of private car ownership and highly developed public transport, the taxi industry employs more than one million people, representing 8% of jobs in the European transport sector1. Taxis increase mobility (50% of airport transfers are by taxi) and also enable it for aged and disadvantaged people: 40% of European households do not have their own car and 50% of elderly people do not have a car or cannot drive. Taxi services are also used three times more often by mobility-impaired people than the rest of the population2. Taxis can be the only means of transport for longer journeys in rural areas. Taking a taxi can, in some cases, reduce key risks — notably drink driving and getting young people home safely late at night. But research shows that, in general, taxi transport carries as much risk as use of a private car. Buses, for example, are better regulated and safer. The sector is largely made up of self-employed owner drivers, working long hours, for relatively modest financial reward with not insignificant personal risks. It has been said that taxi driving is one of the least rewarding jobs of the modern age.3 The nature of the business, with such a high degree of self-employment, makes regulation a significant challenge. The rise of internet taxi platforms such as Uber, Lyft and Hailo also makes questions such as how to ensure the safety of vehicles, their drivers and passengers ever more urgent. Taking into account the trend of decreased car ownership4, especially in urban areas, taxi travel should be at least as safe, and ideally safer than using one’s own vehicle. In order to improve the safety of drivers and passengers, the taxi industry should commit to improving the quality and attractiveness of their services, as well as safety, by increasing the professionalism of drivers and managers. The aim of this report is to give an overview of taxi safety issues across Europe. It will look at ways of managing the risk for taxi drivers and their passengers. The report will cover taxi safety issues in Europe, national and municipal licensing rules, and the main road risks taxi drivers are exposed to. With examples from across Europe, it will encourage taxi operators to apply good practice measures for their drivers and businesses. By taxi businesses we will refer to licensed cab drivers, unregulated ‘minicabs’, limousine drivers and company chauffeurs — as well as drivers working for internet platforms. Safety checklists addressing security of drivers and passengers have been included in the Annex. (Author/publisher)
Abstract